Bouneweger Lycée

The project

To follow up on the launch of the Cliché project call from the Œuvre, we conducted a survey with our students. The result: they are interested in video and photo media, and the main issues they are concerned with are sexuality and appearance. We even realized that some of them are also victims of discrimination. They expressed a desire to live in a world where everyone can live as they wish, without being judged or discriminated against.

In the podcast "Méi wéi Sex, " singer Edsun talks about his professional and artistic journey. Along the way, he met both more and less tolerant people, and he regrets never having had a personal "role model." That's when I had the idea of involving this artist, who can provide strength and courage to young people, helping them express themselves and free themselves from judgment.

The project "Sinn ech gutt menger Haut?" consists of three parts: First, the educators addressed the issues of homophobia and racism; teachers gathered various stereotypes with their students, and Edsun visited the classes to answer students' questions and share his personal and professional experiences.

The stereotypes collected were used as the basis for making a video. Three classes wrote the scripts, and a call was made to students at the LTB to have their portraits taken. Their photos will be exhibited, accompanied by a QR code linking to a video podcast. This is where the people in the portraits will talk about their challenges related to homosexuality or Afro-descendency.

Lastly, four classes will develop a routine in collaboration with choreographer Piera Jovic. The result will be a short video that will serve as the foundation for a new Edsun music video, accompanying a song specifically written for this project.

Implementation

So far, we have mostly had positive experiences, but we also had to realize that even in the 21st century, it is still necessary and important to raise awareness about homosexuality, which often remains a taboo or a "no-go."

Together with the educators and teachers, we gathered the points of conflict and discussed them openly. The interviews with Edsun were very important for many students who, through this very human encounter, saw their fears and prejudices diminish. In fact, Edsun even became a "role model" for some students.

Before their meeting with Edsun, some students had even said they didn't want to talk to a homosexual person, but they changed their attitude during the interview.

The artist visited six lower cycle classes at Bouneweger Lycée and answered questions that the students had prepared. A real exchange took place, and the young people also shared their different experiences. Overall, the students are very engaged in the project and contribute many ideas. Everyone agrees that in a country where the Prime Minister is openly homosexual, no one should have to hide for fear of discrimination.

We also observed that students do not experience racism within the school community. They are in a multicultural environment and feel comfortable. It is in the extracurricular environment that they are exposed to racist experiences and comments.

Objective

It is worth confronting one's fears and prejudices and actively doing something against homophobic or racist remarks. Opinions can change; it's a process that has to start somewhere.

I would like to quote a message from Edsun: one must sincerely accept who they are in order to convey that image to the outside world. Only then can one establish a deep connection with others.

We hope the project will continue for a long time on the platform cliche.lu, that other classes can work with the videos, educational interviews, and that an exchange between different high schools will emerge. Our goal is to inspire people so that the wish of our students—to live in a world without judgments and discrimination—can come true.

This project was realized as part of the Cliché project call.